Six?????

Yep, six.

Did you plan or want six?
Sure.

How do you do it all?
Grace.

You're home all day by yourself with all six?
Yep.

What are their names and ages?
Taylor 14
Ethan 7
Andrew 5
Tabitha 3
Carissa 19 months
Seth 7 weeks

You homeschool?
Yep.

How?
Grace.

You must be exhausted.
Better you than me.
Good luck...

Okay, so seriously I've had more comments and questions than I've ever had about the size of our family lately. I didn't realize how "strange" we appear. People stare, they comment, they ask questions... Martie doesn't mind it, he enjoys it, sometimes I see him smiling as if he were saying, "Look at us." I would rather be invisible. As I've gotten older I don't really like attention. However I know Martie's response is the correct one. We are blessed. God has chosen to give us six beautiful and healthy children. He has trusted us to raise and teach them to love and fear Him. What an awesome responsibility and privilege.

I know it's strange. We live in a culture where we are taught daily children are a burden. They get in the way of what we want to do. They cost too much. They're a lot of work. We can't do it. I can tell you God has always provided for us whether it be in strength, finances, wisdom...

I know most people ask questions and stare because they're curious. Well I want to seriously answer some of the questions we get asked.

1. Is it much different with six? The biggest difference (I think) was from two children to three children. After that there's been no big changes. (except with laundry)
2. How do you do it all day by yourself? I said earlier, "Grace." Well, that is true. God gives me what I need each day. 
3. What does a typical day look like? Well there is an "Ideal" day and a "Typical" day. Ideal is what I have scheduled. Seriously I can give anyone a chart, a schedule, and a list. (just ask my family) Getting up early myself, spending an hour or so in the Word and prayer. Getting the children up, chores, school, lunch, nap, gym, dinner, family bible, baths, and bed. Now for the typical day (which is the ideal (or scheduled) day with my sin sprinkled throughout) Me waking up late because of middle of the night feedings, tell the kids to do their chores, sit down to eat breakfast and read the word (quickly while again telling the kids to do their chores), me getting everyone else breakfast, shower, again reminding the children to please finish their chores, Martie leaves, I have a little panic, then I remind Andrew that I'm going to set the timer if he can not stay focused and finish his chores, then I wake up Taylor who says, "5 more minutes, pleeeeease." I huff and walk away, change Carissa and get her dressed, eventually we start school (way later then I wanted to), stop at 12:00 to eat lunch with Martie, afternoon is spent finishing school, cleaning, laundry, and starting dinner. We eat around 6 and the kids go to bed at 8.  So I like to say it's organized chaos. I/we are definitely a work in progress.
4. Do all the kids get along? Yes. I mean they are brothers and sisters. They do argue or fight over things. But overall my kids are each others best friends. 
5. Do the kids pair up with each other? Depends on the day and/or mood of each child. Carissa usually goes between following me around and hanging out with the middle three. (Ethan, Andrew, and Tabitha) Taylor and Tabitha have a very special bond, so do Ethan and Andrew, Tabitha and Andrew play really well together, and they all love Seth, Carissa makes us all laugh... So I guess the answer is no. They don't "pair up" with each other. They all play well with the others.
6. Aren't you exhausted? Well the definition of exhausted is, "Completely drained of one's physical or mental resources; completely used up." So no, I am NOT exhausted. Sure I'm tired, but the Lord fills me. I could never be completely used up, because He equips me to do the work that He has called me to do. 
7. You are superwoman! This is not a question, but people say this to be often. I am NOT superwoman. I just handle the work that God has given me. He is the one that is Super and I need Him daily. (minute by minute) If you don't believe me reread number 4. I fail (too often). I have to ask my kids to forgive me. (too often) I have to ask my husband to forgive me. (too often) But there is grace, sweet sweet grace. I thank the Lord for His grace and mercy that He continues to lavish upon me.

Yep, six.
...and we're adopting...praying and waiting to see how the Lord continues to use us. I am going to try to embrace the stares, the comments and questions. I am blessed and I am proud to have my six beautiful and healthy babies.

Psalm 90:16-17 "Let Your work appear to Your servants and Your majesty to their children. Let the favor of the Lord our God be upon us; and confirm for us the work of our hands; yes confirm the work of our hands."